Author: News Room

A curator of the Hakeem Shitta Photo and Cultural Archive, Esther Oladimeji, has called for the preservation of arts and cultural heritage, saying documentation is critical to national memory, identity and global relevance. According to a statement shared with Sunday PUNCH, Oladimeji stated the historical value of the Hakeem Shitta Archive, which documents the country’s cultural, political and social life between 1981 and 1995. The curator described the late Hakeem Shitta as an artist, photojournalist and cultural archivist whose work predated digital media and social platforms, capturing the country’s artistic renaissance and political transitions before the internet age. She said…

A former Nigerian Army officer, Maj Toye Akinlade (rtd), has dragged the Nigerian Army and two senior officers before the National Industrial Court in Abuja, alleging abuse of office, unlawful redeployment, and continued coercion to serve after he formally resigned from the military. In the suit marked NICN/ABJ/379/2025, Akinlade is asking the court to declare that his resignation took effect upon receipt and that any further deployment, discipline, or command exercised over him thereafter was unlawful, tortious, and unconstitutional. The respondents in the suit are the Nigerian Army; Col Samson O. Okebukola; and Col D.O. Ehicheoya. Akinlade, in the court…

Nigeria’s political class does not take weddings lightly. While the couples getting married may see their wedding ceremony as their big day, it also serves as the proverbial golf course where political deals are struck, issues are discussed and, well, enemies are made. After all, it is easier for political rivals to hide under the cover of a wedding to settle scores, decide their next moves or agree on the next meeting date, which may well be another wedding. For political leaders, therefore, attending weddings is a sacred duty that cannot be delegated too far down the hierarchy. Whether standing…

The Deputy President General of the Igbo apex sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, speaks with MUHAMMED LAWAL about the life jail term handed down on the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, and other issues about the South-East region. How do you feel about the life sentence given to Nnamdi Kanu? The Igbo nation is being careful about Nnamdi Kanu’s issue. Political leaders and the cultural leaders of the Igbo nation are having an ongoing conversation on his life imprisonment. You will notice that none of the political actors, apart from Orji Uzor Kalu and…

Private petroleum depots across Lagos and other key fuel trading hubs have raised the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to as high as N800 per litre, Sunday PUNCH has observed. Data obtained from petroleumprice.ng on Friday showed that the average cost of petrol at private depots increased sharply within 48 hours, tightening margins for marketers and raising fresh concerns over an imminent spike in retail pump prices nationwide. In Lagos, Dangote depot, which consistently offers the lowest petrol price, sold PMS at N703 per litre on Friday, up from N702.50 on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. While the increase…

A Consultant Endocrinologist, Dr Grace Senbanjo, has urged Nigerians to desist from self-medication and the indiscriminate use of antibiotics to curb the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Senbanjo, also a Consultant Physician at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lagos. She expressed concern over the high and alarming rate of antibiotics abuse, self-medication, and the use of unprescribed antibiotics in Nigeria, describing it as a major threat to the nation’s healthcare system. “The use of antibiotics without a prescription from qualified medical experts is one of the…

The Africa Cup of Nations is underway in Morocco, with Nigeria’s Super Eagles among the 16 teams that made it to the knockout stage after three rounds of group matches. As Africa’s biggest football showpiece gathers momentum, the spotlight has again fallen on the continent’s elite players, many of whom are seeking to cement their status as national icons. More than 30 Premier League players are involved in the tournament, including Mohamed Salah, who left Liverpool supporters guessing with a cryptic farewell message, and Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo. Across Europe’s top leagues, several other stars are expected to shape…

Singer, songwriter and performer, Abanny, has released his debut album titled, ‘Positive Minded’, signalling the arrival of a new and exciting voice. Known for blending afrobeats, rap, and soul, Abanny says he draws inspiration from his personal experiences and the vibrant culture of Lagos to create music that uplifts, connects, and inspires. His unique sound combines infectious rhythms with powerful storytelling, setting him apart as a fresh force in contemporary African music. According to him, the 10-track album is more than a collection of songs; it’s a celebration of optimism, resilience, and self-belief. From the energetic opener to tracks like…

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education reforms while attending the 50th anniversary of his alma mater, Uga Boys’ Secondary School, Uga, in Aguata Local Government Area of the state. Soludo returned to the school on Friday as it marked 50 years since its establishment, using the occasion to restate his government’s resolve to strengthen public education and improve learning outcomes across Anambra State. The governor, who wore his old-style secondary school uniform, joined staff, students, alumni and other guests at the golden jubilee celebration, recalling memories from his formative years and highlighting education…

The year 2025 marks a critical inflection point for Nigeria’s telecoms sector, as tariff reforms alongside increased digital and satellite infrastructure investment drive a tentative recovery, lift service standards, and reinforce the industry’s role in non-oil growth, writes JUSTICE OKAMGBA Nigeria’s telecoms industry showed tentative signs of recovery in 2025, supported by rising investment, expanding fibre networks, and the introduction of satellite connectivity, which are gradually improving access to banking, education, healthcare, and public services. But structural challenges remain; years of underinvestment, frequent network outages, fibre vandalism, rising costs, and regulatory bottlenecks continue to strain operators and frustrate users. Recent…